Today marks Day 1 of the new ACUs' availability at clothing stores at some installations. According to the Army's plans those installations include: Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Benning, Georgia; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Drum, New York; Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Polk, Louisiana; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Fort Richardson, Alaska; and various installations in South Korea.
The ACU pants and coat cost about $48, with the new Coyote boots at $97.
The Army has set a wear-out date of Oct. 1, 2019,
for the gray-green Universal Camouflage Pattern, and soldiers can wear either the new OCP, UCP and deployment-issue Multi-Cam in garrison until then. The Army has said soldiers cannot be forced to buy the new uniforms before the completion of the transition in 2019.
A post on U.S. Army W.T.F! moments' Facebook page reads "When your CSM cancels PT and says to get in line early for the new uniform," and pictured a watch showing 5:48 next to a sign showing that the facility opens at 0800.
As one commenter notes, it's unclear whether this was an ultimatum — which would go against Army policy — or simply a CSM presenting an opportunity.
The W.T.F. post had more than 2,000 likes within a couple hours and comments that included pictures, purportedly, of soldiers in a long line at Fort Bragg and another of a crowded exchange at Fort Hood.
One poster gloated with a picture of his new ACU, saying "Yall are so yesterday" because South Korea is "14-15 hours ahead." (South Korea is 14 hours ahead of Central Standard Time.)
Another posted a meme showing Brick from Achorman yelling, with the words "I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FEEL!!"
The Army also updated DA PAM 670-1, the Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. The new uniform calls for slightly darker colored boots, belts and t-shirt than UCP. However, during the transition, the new camo can be worn with the sand-colored UCP accompaniments. However, UCP cannot be worn with the Coyote brown boots and darker shirt and belt.
Below are the exact costs of the new OCP ACUs and accessories, according to the Army & Air Force Exchange Service:
• OCP ACU Coat (Unisex) $48.13
• OCP ACU Trousers (Unisex) $48.28
• OCP ACU Coat (Female) $46.73
• OCP ACU Trousers (Female) $46.07
• OCP ACU Patrol Cap $7.91
• Athletic Tee (Tan 499) $4.44
• Rigger Belt (Tan 499) $3.70
• Hot weather combat boot (Coyote 498) $77.02
• Temperate weather combat boot (Coyote 498) $97.24
How is the rollout going at your base? Is it available? Has your commander told you to buy it? Send feedback to Army Times reporter Kyle Jahner at kjahner@armytimes.com.
